6 Ways To Prevent A Termite Infestation

Termites are silent destroyers, capable of compromising the structural stability of your home without a visible trace. What’s worse is that many homeowner’s insurance policies don’t cover termite damage. Preventing a termite infestation is not just about safeguarding your property; it’s about preserving your peace of mind. Understanding the subtle signs and taking proactive measures can make all the difference.

This guide will explore six effective strategies to fortify your home against termites to ensure that your house remains intact and free of these wood-boring insects.

6 Ways To Prevent a Termite Infestation

1 – Reduce Soil-to-Wood Contact Around Your House

Understanding termite behavior is crucial in preventing an infestation. Subterranean termites often infiltrate homes where wood meets soil. Here are some things you can do to thwart their entry:

• Clear any wood-based debris, including mulch and paper, from your home’s perimeter.
• Store firewood a considerable distance from your house, elevated from the ground.
• Maintain a gap between any mulch and your home’s walls; ideally, only the foundation should be in direct contact with the soil.
• Position wood sidings a minimum of six inches above the ground level.
• Regularly inspect and maintain wooden fences, applying termite-resistant products as necessary.

2 – Keep Plants Away From Your Home

While plants are nice on the eyes, some can act as a bridge for termites, making it harder to notice if they are attacking your wood or sidewalls. Follow these tips to minimize risk.

• Trim bushes and other plants to maintain a clear space between them and your home’s walls, promoting quicker moisture drying.
• Mow your lawn frequently and keep the grass trimmed.
• Opt for pine needles or inorganic materials like pea gravel for mulching, which are less appealing to termites.

3 – Keep Moisture Away From Your Foundation

Termites are attracted to moisture, which can accumulate around your foundation and crawl spaces. It’s essential to control moisture levels to help prevent termites. Here are some ways you can do that.

• Ensure proper drainage away from your home’s foundation.
• Inspect and maintain your roof, gutters, and downspouts to prevent water accumulation.
• Adjust sprinklers to avoid directing water towards your home.
• Install vapor barriers in crawl spaces and consider using dehumidifiers to control moisture levels.

4 – Remove Food Sources

Termites feed on cellulose found in wood and paper. Do these things to make your home less inviting:

• Dispose of any decaying wood or lumber near your property.
• Eliminate tree stumps and leftover construction materials.
• Avoid storing paper products like newspapers and cardboard boxes for long periods, and recycle them regularly.
• Store important documents and paper goods in higher areas of your home.

5 – Seal Gaps Caused by Settling

Over time, materials like wood, concrete, and PVP expand and contract, leading to gaps that termites can exploit. Follow these steps to help keep termites from entering your home.

• Use caulk or foam sealant to fill in cracks around utility lines.
• Replace any compromised wood with termite-resistant materials.
• Regularly inspect for and repair any cracks in your home’s foundation.

6 – Preventative Termite Treatments with 707 Pest Solutions

707 Pest Solutions provides advanced Termidor Liquid and Trelona Baiting treatments as proactive measures against termites. Preventive treatment is always preferred when dealing with termites since visible damage often signifies a severe infestation is already in place. Termite control. Trust us, you’d much rather equip your home with preventative treatments than have to exterminate an infestation and repair the damage in its wake. 

Don’t wait until the damage is visible. Contact our team for expert termite treatment and protect your home today!